Chinamans Lake in Central Darling: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Chinamans Lake is one of the Central Darling listings for New South Wales. The bank is 47 metres above sea level. At 3.39 sq km this is proper open water rather than a pond. Nearest town is Wentworth, 115 km off. The big place round here is Adelaide, 374 km distant. Other water nearby: Shadbolts Lake some 27 km off, Coobo Lake 28 km away, Redbank Lake some 29 km off, Cuthero Lake 29 km away and Patagorah Lake some 29 km off. The regional boundary is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Chinamans Lake

  No depth figure appears in our records, so the bank has to tell you. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Take Chinamans Lake a stretch at a time. Wind decides which bank is worth your time on the day.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put January near 26°C and July near 11°C. Wet and dry spells shape the year more than temperature. Summer, December to February, brings heat, so fish the early and late hours. The wet months move levels about, which shifts the fishing with them. That shapes the year on Chinamans Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Records show it does not hold water year-round. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Shadbolts Lake sits 27 km off and takes the overflow. The position on Chinamans Lake is worth confirming on the day.